B01-RSOI W9126G262SOI9486.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, FORT WORTH DISTRICT

P.O. BOX 17300

FORT WORTH, TX 76102-0300

REV 18 Jun 2025

3 September 2026

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST

W9126G262SOI9486

Applicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions: Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, and the South Florida Caribbean CESU Regions

Project Title: American Crocodile Monitoring as an Indicator of Hydrologic Restoration in the Southern Estuaries for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District.

A cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the recipient’s CESU Joint and Cooperative Agreement (also known as the CESU Master Agreement).

NOTE: The established CESU indirect rate is 17.5%. For any Cooperative Agreement entered into in response to this RSOI, a maximum 17.5% indirect cost rate will be paid on work covered by such agreement or any modifications thereto. Unless the agreement specifies otherwise, the basis of direct costs against which the agreement’s indirect cost rate is applied must be either the same base identified in the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, if the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project.

This RSOI seeks merit-based competitive procedures to encourage participation in USACE (DoD) programs by a broad base of the most highly qualified performers and will be evaluated on Technical Merits of the proposed research and development (R&D) and the potential relationship of the proposed R&D to USACE (DoD) missions.

Approximately $143,325 is expected to be available to support the Mandatory Tasks and Optional Task 5 of this project for the Base Period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow-on work in subsequent years.

Period of Performance: The Base Period of the agreement will extend 12 months from date of award. There may be up to four 12-month Follow-on Periods based on availability of funding.

Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives.

NOTE: At this time, we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.

Preparation of your Statement of Interest: Provide the following (Maximum length: 2 or 3 pages, single-spaced, 12 pt. font):

1. Name, Organization, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, CESU Region, and Contact Information (Email)

2. Statement of Technical Ability & Qualifications (including):

a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator (PI), to include holding a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other relevant related field of study and should have direct experience in sampling American crocodile. Applicants should have experience conducting sampling across large spatial scales and in remote locations. Applicants should have expert knowledge of Everglades’ ecology, and those with a working knowledge of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will be treated preferentially. The applicant should have prior experience with summarizing and quantifying trends in crocodile abundance, growth, survival, nesting, and relating observed trends to hydrological patterns.

b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects.

c. Biographical sketches of personnel available to support this project, meeting qualifications in the SOO, and their areas of expertise relevant to this project’s requirements.

d. Innovative techniques and description of other capabilities to successfully complete the project: (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, subject matter experts, etc.)

3. Summary of the potential relationship of the proposed research and development to the USACE (DoD) missions.

Submission of Your Statement of Interest

Statements of Interest (SOI) are due by 10:00 AM, Central Time, 05 October 2026 via email to the parties listed below.

Direct questions no later than 10:00 AM, Central Time, 14 September 2026 via email to the parties listed below.

Nicholas A. Aprea Grants Specialist USACE, Fort Worth District Email: Nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil

Nicole D. Baker Project Manager USACE, Fort Worth District Email: Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil

Review of Statements Received:

All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity to determine the which statements have the highest rated technical merit, highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives as outlined in the Statement of Objectives, and closest alignment between the proposed research and the USACE mission.

Overall Evaluation Ratings:

Good/Excellent: The SOI demonstrates a thorough understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has demonstrated the ability, qualifications, resources to exceed performance and capability standards and includes at least one strength. Strength is an aspect of a proposal that, when judged against the overall evaluation criterion, enhances the merit of the proposal or increases the probability of successful performance of the Assistance Award.

Acceptable: The SOI demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has demonstrated the ability, qualifications, and resources to meet performance and capability standards. The SOI meets the overall evaluation criterion.

Unacceptable: The SOI does not demonstrate an understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has not demonstrated the ability, qualifications, and resources that meet the performance and capability standards. The SOI includes at least one weakness. Weakness is an aspect that increases the risk of unsuccessful performance.

Respondent SOIs receiving the highest ratings, Good/Excellent being the highest, and Acceptable the lowest, will be requested to submit a full proposal for further evaluation.

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOIs are required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD, THE RECIPIENT AND ANY PROPOSED

SUBRECIPIENTS AND CONTRACT VENDORS MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE NIST

SP 800-171 DOD ASSESSEMENT (PERFORMED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS).

Additional details are provided as a separate attachment to this document.

IMPORTANT: This award is anticipated to be made in FY 27.

Thank you for your interest in our Cooperative Agreements Program.

CHERYL R. VENDEMIA

Grants Officer

Attachment: Statement of Objectives

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

American Crocodile Monitoring as an Indicator of Hydrologic Restoration in the

Southern Estuaries For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

September 2026

1.0 PURPOSE

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000 authorized Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) as a framework for modifications and operational changes to the Central and Southern Florida Project needed to restore the south Florida ecosystem. Provisions within WRDA 2000 provided for specific authorization for an adaptive assessment and monitoring program. The CERP Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) was developed as a framework for measuring and understanding system responses to CERP, determining how well CERP is meeting its goals and objectives, and identifying opportunities for improving the performance of CERP, where needed.

REstoration, COordination, VERification (RECOVER) is a multidisciplinary team of agencies, tribes, and institutions responsible for implementing the CERP MAP.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) inhabits coastal estuaries of south Florida where salinity levels remain moderated by freshwater flows from the Florida Everglades. American crocodiles are indicators of ecosystem health and restoration success (1) as their survival and population dynamics are linked to hydrological conditions (Briggs-Gonzales et al., 2021) and (2) as a top predator, crocodiles are directly dependent on prey density, especially aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms, thus serve as a surrogate for the status of many other species. Juvenile and hatching crocodiles have shown to be sensitive to high salinities resulting in low growth rates and reduced survivorship (Richards et al., 2004, Cherkiss et al., 2011). Similarly, crocodile nest abundance and nest success is also likely linked to freshwater habitat availability, salinity levels, and nesting substrate (sand, marl, or peat), and water levels that may either cause nest flooding (too deep) or desiccation (too dry) (Mazzotti et al., 2022).

Improvements in ecosystem health as result of ecological restoration and habitat management to reduce the frequency and duration of dramatic salinity fluctuations and hypersalinity water conditions in the southern estuaries are expected to benefit crocodile growth, survival, and abundance. This project will draw upon prior monitoring conducted in the southern estuaries of Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay and continue a long-term study of American crocodile response to CERP.

The purpose of this project is to monitor, as a continuance of a long-term dataset, the responses of crocodiles to changes in hydrology as a result of restoration and CERP implementation. Proposed methodology must be statistically comparable to previous work. Annual data collected are to be integrated with previous years for the analyses.

Information gained from this project will be used to quantify the benefits of CERP.

The public will benefit from the knowledge gathered by the project because it will provide a source to track restoration progress and CERP benefits. The data generated from this monitoring will be leveraged in future RECOVER System Status Reports, which are published at 4-year intervals from 2024 and made publicly available. The RECOVER System Status Report is intended to inform interested parties of the progress made toward meeting CERP goals and objectives by providing information on the current status of key ecological indicators.

2.0 AUTHORITY

2.1 In agreement with the above stated purpose, the Recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, in part, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-Jacksonville District objectives pursuant to the authority 10 U.S.C. 4001 (formerly 2358): Research and Development Projects.

2.2 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), all CESU projects must carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, instead of acquiring goods or services for the exclusive direct benefit of the United States Government. Examples of carrying out a public purpose may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Project results are made available to a wide audience (including nonfederal entities)

• Project results/outputs add to the scientific literature/knowledge base, with applicability and utility beyond the scope of the project footprint/study area

• Academic and other nonfederal partner institutions (and their personnel) gain professional experience, increase knowledge, and develop skills and abilities

• Students benefit from direct interaction with federal scientists, program and technical staff, and field unit managers

2.3 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is expected between the Department of Defense and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the cooperative agreement. The DoW agrees to participate at a national level in support of the CESU program as accepted in the Master MOU for the establishment and continuation of the CESU program Article II 1-4 and Article VI 1-7.

2.4 The USACE will participate in study site selections, design, and project plan development. USACE will participate in field data collection efforts as appropriate, will review quarterly status reports, and will provide input to data interpretation for final reports, as well as review quarterly, annual and final reports. USACE will incorporate the data and analysis into a system-wide database that assesses and evaluates ecosystem restoration efforts in central and southern Florida. Scientific and technical information generated from the cooperative agreement will be utilized to evaluate project/restoration performance and system responses to be used in the development of assessment reports describing and interpreting those responses.

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this project is to determine the response of American crocodiles through space and time and to link observed variation to environmental factors associated with the implementation of the CERP.

Specifically, the objectives include:

1) Measure growth, survival, abundance, body condition, and nest abundance and success of American crocodiles in the southern estuaries of Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay.

2) Measure nest abundance and nest success of American crocodiles in the southern estuaries of Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay.

3) Determine the status and trends of crocodile populations over short-, medium-, and long-term temporal and spatial scales.

4) Provide data and analyses to support the scientific investigations designed to increase ecosystem understanding, determining cause and effect, and interpret the relationship between crocodile metrics (Objective 1 and Objective 2) and key hydrologic drivers (e.g., salinity, water depth).

3.1 PROJECT TASKS

3.1.1 Task 1 – Project Initiation Meeting and Annual Project Plans (Mandatory):

The Recipient and USACE will jointly conduct a Project Initiation Meeting (virtually or in person) within fifteen (15) business days of cooperative agreement (CA) award and any subsequent Follow-on Period (FOP) awards. The Recipient and USACE will coordinate the project tasks as outlined. The Recipient will provide an overview of the project, introduce the project team, and define the project chain of command. The USACE will communicate to the Recipient any methodological requirements to be used when executing and reporting tasks as outlined. These methodologies are briefly described in this CA in the activities above. The MAP Assessment Strategy (RECOVER 2006) provides guidance in assessment methodologies.

Within fifteen (15) business days following the Project Initiation Meeting, the Recipient will provide Project Initiation Meeting minutes and an electronic copy of the Draft Project Plan. The Recipient and the RECOVER Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) will collaboratively develop a Final Project Plan within (30) business days. The Final Project Plan will be updated, as necessary, at the beginning of each new FOP.

The Recipient will also begin preparations to execute field sampling following award execution. This includes acquiring and assembling any specialty equipment needed and working with USACE staff to become familiar with sampling protocols and equipment.

This task is mandatory for the Base Year and each Follow-on Period.

3.1.2 Task 2 – Crocodile Surveys in Biscayne Bay (Mandatory):

The Recipient will conduct field surveys for American crocodiles along the southern Biscayne Bay shoreline, extending from Biscayne National Park to Barnes Sound and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge where CERP influences are anticipated to occur. Surveys will occur in the dry season (spring) and wet season (fall) to assess relative density, body condition, and growth and survival rates. Body condition and growth and survival rates will include measurements of total length, snout-vent length, head length, tail girth, weight, sex, and any abnormalities/deformities.

Surveys of American crocodile nests for abundance and nest success will be conducted during the nesting season from April-May and from July-August in known and potential nesting habitat in Biscayne Bay.

Geographic location, environmental conditions (i.e., air and water temperature and salinity), and habitat characteristics will be recorded when crocodiles are sampled.

3.1.3 Task 3 – Data Analyses (Mandatory):

The Recipient will summarize, analyze, and report measures of American crocodile abundance, body condition, growth, survival, and nest abundance and success on an annual basis for inclusion in the annual assessment report and the RECOVER System Status Report. Any additional survey data generated from optional tasks must be summarized, analyzed, and reported.

The Recipient is required to submit four (4) quarterly status reports, one (1) annual report each year, and one (1) final report for all years of the agreement to the project manager. Annual Reports will include, at minimum, the following:

monitoring objectives and hypotheses addressed by monitoring activities, methods, results and statistical analyses of sampling efforts, discussion, conclusions, and lessons learned. As appropriate, the Recipient will include recommendations for further data analysis and/or collection. Data derived from the project will be provided to the USACE RECOVER TPOC with the submission of each annual report and include a file containing appropriate metadata.

3.1.4 Task 4 – Participation in RECOVER Regional Team Support (Mandatory):

The Recipient will participate in up to six (6) 2-hour virtual RECOVER meetings and up to two (2) 6-hour in-person meetings/workshops each year to provide updates on or engage in discussions regarding the sampling.

The Recipient will participate in up to four (4) RECOVER Southern Coastal Systems (SCS) team meetings (no more than 1.5 hours each meeting) to discuss topics related to monitoring, findings, and/or analyses as determined by the RECOVER SCS team. Presentations to the RECOVER SCS team may be requested by the USACE RECOVER TPOC or the Recipient. The Recipient will provide the USACE with an electronic copy via email of the MS PowerPoint presentation made at the scheduled RECOVER SCS team meeting.

The Recipient will be required to provide no more than two (2) site visits (field days) with the SCS Regional Coordinators during the 5-year agreement period.

3.1.5 Task 5 – American Crocodile Performance Measure Update (Optional):

The Recipient will review and update the RECOVER American crocodile Performance Measure using new data collected through 2025 in response to environmental factors and CERP activities. Additionally, targets will be developed and/or updated for monitoring metrics including abundance and body condition, abundance, growth and survival rates, and nest abundance and success that will be used for evaluation and assessment of American crocodiles. The Recipient will work with the RECOVER Southern Coastal Systems team during the Performance Measure update process. Data analysis associated with the Performance Measure update will also inform survey and sampling methodological improvements, if necessary.

This Optional Task may be exercised, based on the availability of funding, concurrently with, and in addition to, the work described in the Mandatory Tasks for the Base Period.

3.1.6 Task 6 – Monitoring and Assessment Plan Review and Data Synthesis

(Optional):

RECOVER will update the MAP within the duration of this 5-year Cooperative Agreement (CA). The Recipient will provide a statistical review of long-term monitoring methodology to determine if the existing monitoring are robust relative to RECOVER’s objectives and align with RECOVER’s need to assess whether the goals and objectives of CERP are being met. This review will examine the study and sampling design, the observed variation in the metric(s) of interest, and determine what existing sampling methods yield in terms of a measure with a credible interval. The Recipient will collaborate with RECOVER to interrogate existing sampling methods relative to RECOVER objectives with data collected from the design. This task will culminate in a stand-alone report that details interrogations conducted and recommend practical remedies for any misalignment between the realized sampling design and CERP MAP objectives.

This Optional Task may be exercised, based on the availability of funding, concurrently with, and in addition to, the work described in the Mandatory Tasks for the Follow on Periods 1 – 4.

3.1.7 Task 7 –System Status Report Development for American Crocodile (Optional):

The Recipient will plan up to ten (10) days to work with the RECOVER SCS Regional Coordinator(s) to assist in the development of the System Status Report (SSR) as applicable. Most information will be drawn from submitted Annual Reports. The Recipient will contribute to the RECOVER System Status Report with an assessment, including status determination, of American crocodile abundance, body condition, growth, survival, and nest abundance and success in the southern estuaries in the context of CERP implementation and other factors that influence American crocodile. The USACE RECOVER TPOC will provide clear and concise recommendations to guide development of the

SSR.

This Optional Task may be exercised, based on the availability of funding, concurrently with, and in addition to, the work described in the Mandatory Tasks for the Follow-on Periods 1 – 4. When exercised, this Optional Task may have a period of performance up to 24 months from the date of award.

3.1.8 Task 8 – Spatial Expansion of Crocodile Surveys in Florida Bay (Optional):

The Recipient will expand the spatial extent of American crocodile surveys along the shoreline of Florida Bay including northeast Florida Bay and coastal lakes. The extent and survey locations will be determined following discussions with the Recipient. Surveys will follow the protocol and collect American crocodile metrics described in Task 2. Crocodile survey data from additional spatial survey coverage associated with this Optional Task will be incorporated into the monitoring data analysis and reporting as described in the Mandatory Tasks above.

This Optional Task may be exercised, based on the availability of funding, for Follow-on Periods 1 – 4.

3.1.9 Task 9 – Spatial Expansion of Crocodile Surveys in Southwest Coast (Optional):

The Recipient will expand the spatial extent of American crocodile surveys along the shorelines of the southwest coast from Lostmans River to Cape Sabal. The extent and survey locations will be determined following discussions with the Recipient. Surveys will follow the protocol and collect American crocodile metrics described in Task 2. Crocodile survey data from additional spatial survey coverage associated with this Optional Task will be incorporated into the monitoring data analysis and reporting as described in the mandatory tasks above.

This Optional Task may be exercised, based on the availability of funding, for Follow-on Periods 1 – 4.

4.0 CONSIDERATION

Services are not required to be performed on the following Federally observed holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day Washington’s Birthday Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day Independence Day

5.0 QUALIFICATIONS

Biographical sketches are required for each of the personnel supporting this project. The Recipient will coordinate with USACE before any key personnel (e.g., the primary Private Investigator) changes or hiring.

Successful applicants should hold a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other relevant related field of study and should have direct experience in sampling American crocodile. Applicants should have experience conducting sampling across large spatial scales and in remote locations.

Applicants should have expert knowledge of Everglades’ ecology, and those with a working knowledge of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will be treated preferentially. The applicant should have prior experience with summarizing and quantifying trends in crocodile abundance, growth, survival, nesting, and relating observed trends to hydrological patterns.

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS OR PROPERTY

6.1 Government furnished materials or property is governed by 2 C.F.R. Part 200.312(a) which states: Title to Federally owned property remains vested in the Federal Government. The Recipient or Subrecipient must submit an inventory listing of Federally owned property in its custody to the Federal agency or pass-through entity on an annual basis. The recipient or subrecipient must request disposition instructions from the Federal agency or pass-through entity upon completion of the Federal award or when the property is no longer needed.

7.0 REQUIREMENTS

7.1 The Recipient is responsible for all scientific and technical reporting to the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) repository required by 2 CFR 1134.140(b)(3).

7.2 This project will take place within Department of Interior (DOI) and State of Florida land and waters. The Recipient will acquire and/or obtain all necessary permits associated with the applicable federal and state agencies along with tribal lands, including the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the State of Florida, and federally recognized Tribes. Permits are required to be submitted to the USACE RECOVER TPOC before fieldwork may begin.

8.0 FOLLOW-ON PERIODS

8.1 In addition to the 12-month Base Year, four (4), 12-month Follow-on Periods (FOP) are anticipated subject to availability of funds.”

8.2 Due to the project’s regional sensitive flora and fauna that are influenced by seasonal cycles that must align with the monitoring and assessment plans for successfully executing the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) it is likely that the Follow-on period of performance (POP) dates may need to be adjusted. In the event such adjustments become necessary, the overall POP for each of the Follow-on efforts will remain 12 months.

9.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

9.1 The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of award.

10.0 COORDINATION

Niki Baker Project Manager Regional Planning and Environmental Center Fort Worth District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil

Stephanie Verhulst, Ph.D.

RECOVER Technical Point of Contact Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 701 San Marco Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 Stephanie.A.Verhulst@usace.army.mil

Javier Cortes Customer Financial Point of Contact Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 701 San Marco Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 Javier.Cortes@usace.army.mil

Michael Collis RECOVER Project Manager Planning and Policy Division Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 701 San Marco Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 Michael.J.Collis@usace.army.mil

11.0 DELIVERABLES

Detailed descriptions of any required deliverables required (reports, plans, etc.)and formats. Provide delivery schedules. At a minimum these deliverables should include:

11.1 Permits

11.1.1 Any and all permits associated with or required to support the Tasks will be submitted to the USACE RECOVER TPOC.

11.2 Four (4) Quarterly Status Reports (QSR) or Progress Reports (PR) will be submitted for every three-month period, or quarter, following the award of the CA and any subsequent Follow-on Periods. These QSRs will summarize progress made on all executed Tasks, provide an update on the budget status of each Task, point out any problems or challenges that may have arisen during the previous three months.

mailto:Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil mailto:Stephanie.A.Verhulst@usace.army.mil mailto:Javier.Cortes@usace.army.mil mailto:Michael.J.Collis@usace.army.mil

11.2.1 Electronic copy (email attachment in Microsoft [MS] Word format) of the QSR every quarter from award of CA and subsequent Follow-on Periods.

11.3 Annual Reports will be submitted within 30 days from the end of the twelve months after the award of the CA and any subsequent Follow-on Period. Each Annual Report will summarize activities from all executed Tasks, including all executed Optional Tasks, within each Period.

The Annual Reports will summarize annual estimates of crocodile metrics, analyze spatial and temporal trends in the metrics, and examine the consistency of observations with CERP hypotheses from the MAP. Annual Reports will be comprised of an introduction placing monitoring into the context of CERP, summaries of all executed Tasks within the existing Base or Follow-on Periods, results of any analyses and assessments conducted, discussion of results, and conclusions presented within the context of CERP. In particular, the Annual Reports will integrate information regarding American crocodiles and relationships to hydrological conditions and habitat suitability.

The Draft Annual Report will be reviewed by the USACE RECOVER Technical POC and the RECOVER Southern Coastal Systems Regional Coordinators within fifteen (15) days upon submission. Comments will be provided for the Recipient to address in the Final Annual Report. A data file (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet or CSV file) of all quality assured raw data will accompany each Annual Report.

11.3.1 Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of a Draft Annual Report will be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the end of the period of performance each year.

11.3.2 Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of a Final Annual Report will be submitted by the end of the period of performance of each year.

11.3.3 Electronic copy of all data collected and quality assured submitted as a Microsoft

Excel or CSV file.

11.4 Final Project Report will be submitted no later than one month before end of the project. At a minimum, the report will contain an introduction section and one section for each executed Task. For each Task, the report will summarize work accomplished and cumulative summaries of results and analyses, to date.

Results will be described as relating to CERP hypotheses from the MAP, and the conclusions presented within the context of CERP and Everglades restoration.

The Final Project report should also describe the information needed to develop the next System Status Report.

Electronic copy of a draft final report should be submitted no later than one month before end of the project. USACE TPOC staff will review and provide comments, if any, within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt. Final Project Report, incorporating USACE TPOC review comments on the draft, if any, shall be provided to the USACE TPOC no later than 15 days after the receipt of the USACE TPOC comments.

11.4.1 Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of Draft Final Project Report will be submitted in May of the final year of the CA.

11.4.2 Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of Final Project Report will be submitted before the end of the project period of performance.

11.4.3 All data gathered for project Tasks will be submitted with the Final Project Report as a Microsoft Excel or Comma Separated Value (CSV) file.

11.5 Task 5 Deliverable: American Crocodile Performance Measure Update – Upon execution of Task 5 (Optional), the Recipient will submit an updated American Crocodile Performance Measure documentation sheet describing the developed models for evaluation and status methodology of assessment. The documentation sheet will include at a minimum the background, model framework documentation (e.g., datasets and code/script), and assessment methodology. An electronic copy of the documentation sheet (email attachment in MS Word format) and supporting files will be submitted at the completion of the Optional Task of the CA.

11.6 Task 6 Deliverable: Monitoring and Assessment Plan Review and Data Synthesis

- Upon the completion of Task 6 (Optional), the Recipient will submit a separate report to summarize methods and results of a statistical review of monitoring methodology and a discussion of its alignment with RECOVER’s need to assess whether the goals and objectives of CERP are being met. The Recipient will also submit all datasets and statistical code developed to conduct analyses used to examine the monitoring methodology. An electronic copy of the report (email attachment in MS Word format) and supporting files used for the statistical review will be submitted at the completion of the Optional Task of the CA.

11.7 Task 7 Deliverable: System Status Report Development – Upon execution of Task 7 (Optional), results of the work performed under this CA will be used to develop the cumulative annual findings outlined in the System Status Report (SSR). The SSR provides an assessment of whether the goals and purposes of CERP are being achieved by comparing monitoring results to established interim goals (incremental restoration benchmarks established for the ecological indicator), when applicable. The Recipient of this CA will collaborate with the RECOVER Southern Coastal Systems Team in developing the SSR and their participation will be included as a Task (Task 4) in this work breakdown structure.

11.8 Task 8 and Task 9 Deliverable: Spatial Expansion of American Crocodile

Surveys – Upon execution of Tasks 8 and/or 9 (Optional), results of the surveys in the expanded spatial area will be incorporated into the analysis and reports associated with Task 3 and Optional Task 7.

11.9 Annual Inventory – Federally owned property - an annual inventory listing

Federal property (to include description of the property and a serial number or other identification number) that is in the custody of the Recipient; Copies to be sent to the USACE Fort Worth PM and customer RECOVER TPOC.

11.10 Annual Inventory – Acquired Property purchased with funding from award -property records must be maintained that includes description of the property, serial number or other identification number, source of funding, who holds title, acquisition date, cost of property, percentage of Federal participation in project costs, location, use and condition of property, and ultimate disposition including date of disposal and sale price. A physical inventory must be taken, and results reconciled every two years. Electronic copies of the inventory must be sent annually to the USACE Fort Worth PM and customer RECOVER TPOC.

12.0 POST AWARD AND INVOICE PROCESS

12.1 Payment Requests and Progress Reports (Invoice Package):

Submit Payment Request and additional required documents to:

swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil. Carbon Copy the assigned USACE Project Manager as well as your organization’s point of contacts (POCs) for the additional required documents and for delinquent accounts.

12.2 Frequency: Quarterly plus 30-day grace period (except for the final invoice package noted below). If the coverage dates are not quarterly or preapproved by the PM (or the first/last submittal), the invoice package will be rejected.

Quarters: Invoice pkgs due No Later Than:

Q1: Oct-Dec Q1: 31 Jan Q2: Jan-Mar Q2: 30 Apr Q3: Apr-Jun Q3: 30 Jul Q4: Jul-Sep Q4: 31 Oct

12.3 Payment Requests must be submitted on form SF270 Request for Advance or

Reimbursement with the accompanying Standard Form-Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR), otherwise the SF270 will be rejected.

12.4 SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement

12.4.1 Block 9, Recipient Organization. For successful set up of Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT), the Recipient’s name and address shall reflect the exact name and physical address that appears in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://sam.gov/.

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil https://sam.gov/

12.4.2 Blocks 11, (a), (b), & (c) are for the description of funds. Preferred description is:

CLIN/POP Type, POP start and end dates, amount awarded (see example below); at minimum include the CLIN. If the description or the minimum CLIN information is missing, the SF270 and SF-PPR will be rejected.

Example:

CLIN 0001 / Base

22SEP23 – 21SEP24

$100,000.00

Funding must be separated as specified on the Award document. Sub-CLINs that specify “for funding only” (e.g., numbered 000101, 000102, etc.) may be rolled into the primary CLIN (e.g., 0001) unless otherwise instructed. All others required PM approval.

The SF270 may have multiple pages. An SF270 in Excel format may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil, however, must be submitted in pdf format otherwise will be rejected.

12.5 SF-PPR Standard Form-Performance Progress Report: The Recipient shall tailor the SF-PPR to include, at minimum, the following information:

• Separate details by CLIN as applicable

• Achievements (must detail work during quarter associated with the invoice)

• Percent Completion

• Project Status

• Problems encountered and impact of activities and personnel on schedule.

• Anticipated work in next reporting period.

If the SF-PPR is incomplete, the SF-PPR and SF270 will be rejected.

A tailored SF-PPR form may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil

12.6 The Final invoice package is due no later than 90 days from final (funded/exercised) POP end date and must include the following documents: If any of the required information below is missing, the final invoice package will be rejected:

• Final SF270

• SF-PPR

• Final SF425

• DD882

• SF428 plus attachment B (C&S if applicable)

• SF298

• Final Report

Forms may be requested from the district office at swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil or found at https://www.grants.gov/forms.

13.0 This cooperative agreement may be administered through a CESU only upon mutual agreement and official authorization by both parties of the acceptance of the application of the CESU Network Indirect Cost Rate (17.5%).

Any resulting cooperative agreement will be subject to, and Recipient shall comply with 2 CFR 200.313 “Equipment”, 200.314 “Supplies”, and 200.315 “Intangible Property” which includes use of research data.

14.0 REFERENCES

Briggs-Gonzales, V.S., M Basille, M.S. Cherkiss, F.J. Mazzotti. 2021. American crocodiles (Crocdylus acutus) as restoration bioindicators in the Florida Everglades. PLOS One 16(5): e0250510.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250510

Cherkiss, M.S., S.S. Romañach, F.J. Mazzotti. 2011. The American crocodile in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Estuaries and Coasts 34: 529-535.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-011-9378-6

Mazzotti, F.J. S.A. Balaguera-Reina, L.A. Brandt, V. Briggs-Gonzalez, M.

Cherkiss, S. Farris, A. Godahewa. 2022. Natural and anthropogenic factors influencing nesting ecology of the American crocodile in Florida, United States.

Front. Ecol. Evol. 10:904576. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.904576

Monitoring and Assessment Plan (Part 2), Assessment Strategy for the Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP), December 2006.

Richards, P.M., W.M. Mooij, D.L. DeAngelis. 2004. Evaluating the effect of salinity on a simulated American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) population with applications to conservation and Everglades restoration. Ecological Modelling.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2004.04.038

END OF STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil https://www.grants.gov/forms https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250510 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-011-9378-6 https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.904576 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2004.04.038